The Third International Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Conference will be held in February in Eilat. Organized by the Eilat Eilot Renewable Energy Administration in association with the Technologies Company, the conference focuses on the latest innovations in renewable energy.
The conference is an international forum encouraging discussion and debate of policies, technology, business and investment practices to lead to cost effective, doable solutions. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend the conference, including former US Ambassador to Israel Richard Jones, who is now the Deputy Executive Director of the International Energy Agency; Michael Peevey, President of California Public Utility Commission and Dr. Hermann Scheer, General Chairman of the World Council for Renewable Energy.
Some of the topics to be explored at the conference include: Renewable development in Israel, solar power, policies and regulations, and renewable energy technology. This year's Conference will include an additional track dedicated to the role of advanced energy-conservation technologies highlighting Israeli and other nation's contributions to the field of green building science and carbon reduction. Following the conference's selection for inclusion in the European Commission's ECO4B initiative, the Eilat-Eilot RE Conference will also address EU legislature aimed at solar industry.
The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, has chosen the Eilat-Eilot Conference for inclusion in the Commission's ECO4B initiative, a select project led by the Enterprise Europe Network which will invest €250,000 in renewable energy conferences taking place over 2010-2011. The substantial monetary grant awarded to the ECO4B partner conferences will be used for subsidizing the participation of hi-profile delegations of businessmen and officials at each of the events with the specific aim of building new relationships and seeking potential partnerships.
"We are thrilled to have been selected by the European Commission and to be included among Europe's most exciting renewable energy initiatives," said Udi Gat, Chairman of the Hevel Eilot Regional Council. "This grant highlights the leading role that Israel is taking in the global quest for a sustainable future and underscores the great value that the Commission places in Israel’s development of clean energy technologies."
Noam Ilan, head of Business Development for the Eilat-Eilot region: "In an effort to move towards a more sustainable energy future, this year's conference will focus on introducing real solutions that we expect will be adopted by regional councils and governments around the world. Israel has become known throughout the world as a clean energy powerhouse and the country’s technological and governmental accomplishments in this industry will be on full display at the upcoming event."
The 2010 Conference in Eilat will include the unveiling of a proposed model for dealing with the energy crisis through the promotion of the key elements required by developed nations to shape a sustainable energy future. These include raising awareness and education, research and development, the commercialization of technology, production of energy from renewable resources, energy conservation and supportive regulation.
Additionally, the conference will serve as the launch of the bidding process for the planned 200 MW Timna Renewable Energy Park, the centerpiece of the Eilat-Eilot region’s efforts to turn Southern Israel into the "Silicon Valley" of renewable energy. Companies from around the world are expected to submit bids to purchase the first plots of land in the park and will then begin construction of the first projects in the park - two 50MW solar thermal fields. In addition to solar thermal, the park will feature a combined wind/solar "farm"; a solarized turbine pilot plant and the production of biogas from municipal waste.
The Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Administration, operating under the regional municipalities, has been promoting Renewable Energy as a catalyst for regional development for the last four years. Starting with a vision to develop Israel's sun drenched desert and Red Sea resort local, its early pioneers established the Administration to guide the implementation of Israel's and the world's first energy independent region.
The Eilat-Eilot Renewable Energy Administration launched the Eilat-Eilot Alternative Energy Project to demonstrate a model for solving the world's energy crisis by engaging and advancing all necessary social sectors and technologies and focusing them on a the cohesive but multifaceted goal that would create an energy independent region energized by vibrant substantial regional commercial development and business opportunities. The burgeoning field of renewable energy creates new and diverse technological and scientific jobs based on excellent natural and human resources. The activities includes renewable energy education, R&D, commercialization and Pilot projects, renewable energy production, energy conservation, branding and advancing suitable regulation.
The Eilat Region is located at the southernmost tip of Israel on the beaches of the Red Sea. Its distance from Israel's population center presents the perfect challenge and opportunity suited to a revolutionary project of this kind. The R.E. Administration's goals includes helping grow the local population and community by attracting high caliber of professionals drawn to this national project. The exciting opportunities for professional advancement will be generated by the business, technology, research and deployment underway.